The Nielsen Consumer Confidence Index indicates that global consumer confidence remained steady at 98 in the second quarter of 2016.
The Index takes into account findings from 63 countries, measuring the perceptions of local job prospects, personal finances, immediate spending intentions and related economic issues of real consumers in each. Consumer confidence levels above and below a baseline of 100 indicate degrees of optimism and pessimism, respectively.
North America was the only region to sustain an increase in consumer confidence growth, with a rise of three points to 111. Confidence declined in the Asia Pacific region by one point, related to Japan’s decline of four points (69 points overall).
“Global economic growth continues to be sluggish, with wide variation in growth rates,” Nielsen Senior Vice President and The Demand Institute President Louise Keely said. “Economic concerns such as weak commodity prices and job prospects, and political concerns such as terrorism and political stability have been higher among consumers in countries directly affected by situations such as terrorist attacks or soft commodity demand.
“Still, in many markets, consumer spending continues to be a bright spot. Consumer confidence has remained stable on average over the past several quarters.”